Understanding Europe-A Cultural Mosaic

By: Ms. Refkin

Western EuropeAustria, Switzerland, and

France

Western Europe- Rest Stop

One beauty that Austria is known for is it’s spectacular rose gardens. There are over 800 types of roses in these gardens. The months to visit these gardens are May through July. There are many events that occur in the rose gardens including weddings, family gatherings, and other celebrations.

Volkspark

Austrian Roses

Western Europe- Rest Stop

Vienna has been known for its musical influence across the world, and throughout history. It has

been home to Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss. These amazing composers have

influenced many musical greats. Today, Vienna houses the Philharmonic orchestra, along with

many other musical events. Vienna is considered to be a center of musical innovation. Composers were drawn to the city

making Vienna the European capital of classical music.

Austrian National Opera house

Vienna Hofburg Orchestra

Western Europe- Rest Stop

The Eiffel Tower is noted as the most recognized European monument worldwide. The tower was built in

remembrance for the French Revolution and greeted visitors to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris. Today it is the most visited

monument in the world. Fireworks can be seen spouting from the Eiffel Tower on

Bastille Day (July 14th). Bastille Day is a celebration of the French Revolution.

Eiffel Tower

Eiffel Tower - View From the Top

Eiffel Tower on Bastille Day

Eiffel Tower at Night

Western Europe- Rest StopWhen England and France decided to connect their two

countries with a 32-mile rail tunnel beneath the English Channel, engineers were faced with a huge challenge. Not only would they have to build one of the longest tunnels in the world; they would have to ensure public safety in a tunnel this size. $21 billion

dollars later, the Chunnel has connected over 40 million passengers from France to England and

remains to be one of the greatest engineering feats of modern time. A journey through the tunnel takes

about 20 minutes on a high speed train traveling at 186 mph. It took 1500 workers 7 years to complete

the tunnel.

The Chunnel

The Chunnel’s Course

A Eurostar Train

Did you know our Statue of Liberty has a sister?

Western Europe- Rest StopSwitzerland maintains a long and strong tradition of political and military neutrality.

This means that Switzerland takes no side in wars and in return hopes to avoid attacks. This background allows Switzerland to host various international organizations such as

the United Nations. The UN is headquartered in New York, but has many departments in Switzerland. The safety, security, and beauty of the country help

promote tourism.

The UN Building in Geneva

The Matterhorn

The Swiss Alps